Hawks pull off upset victory over Cavaliers

CAVALIERS look set to concede top spot on the State Netball League ladder, following a 45-34 defeat to Northern Hawks at the Silverdome last night.

Northern Hawks goal attack Georgie Briggs was on target in last night's 45-34 over Cavaliers at the Silverdome.

CAVALIERS look set to concede top spot on the State Netball League ladder, following a 45-34 defeat to Northern Hawks at the Silverdome last night.

A disappointing Cavaliers side was outclassed by the Hawks, who combined fast- paced attack with firm defence to see off their cross-town rivals in front of a vocal Launceston crowd.

An even first quarter saw the sides draw level at the buzzer 13-13.

However, the speed of Hawks wing attack Chelsea Coleman allowed the fourth-placed side to snatch the advantage at the half- time break, 25-19.

Cavaliers seemed to tire in the third quarter, with both sides bringing on fresh legs.

However, Cavaliers could not find an answer to Georgie Briggs who remained on target for the Hawks, allowing them to hang on in the final 10 minutes, despite a barrage of attacks from the Cavaliers.

Cavaliers were ultimately limited to four goals in the final quarter as the Hawks pulled off an 11-goal upset.

Coleman took home the player of the match award for the Hawks.

The result almost gurantees Cavaliers will forfeit their stronghold on the league table, while Hawks president David Thomas has admitted the win does little to improve his side's chances of cracking the top three this season.

Cavaliers coach Linda Colgrave said it was back to the drawing board for her side, following the defeat.

"We're disappointed," she said.

"We didn't play to our full potential. We'll go back to training and hopefully make a big improvement for next game."

Cavaliers will face Karana on June 7, while the Hawks turn their attention to Kingston.